Want to be a real estate agent in the Garden State? There are many opportunities to explore New Jersey’s real estate market. From beach houses down the Shore and apartments with a city skyline view to suburban properties in Montclair and Cherry Hill, the market is diverse and active. If you are ready to take the next step toward this fascinating career, let’s dive into how to become a real estate agent in NJ.
Quick Facts & Costs for New Jersey Licensees
Types of Licensees in New Jersey & How Much They Earn
- Licensed real estate agent (Salary Range: $60,900 to $101,500): Licensed to represent buyers and sellers in real estate transactions while working under a broker.
- Licensed real estate broker (Salary Range: $92,000 to $142,000): May operate independently or hire other agents to work for them. They’re in charge of overseeing a real estate transaction.
- Broker-salesperson (Salary Range: $60,900 to $101,500): Has a broker’s license yet works for another broker just like an agent.
- Referral agent (Salary Range: $80,000 to $87,000): A licensed real estate person who receives leads and then refers those leads to a broker
Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Get a Real Estate License in NJ
Step 1: Meet New Jersey Requirements
To be eligible for a New Jersey real estate license, you need to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Possess a high school diploma
- Be a US citizen or have legal working status in the US
- Possess good character, trustworthiness, honesty, and integrity
Step 2: Choose a NJ Real Estate School for Prelicensing Education
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Cost:
$350+
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Time commitment:
75 hours
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Helpful resource:
5 Best New Jersey Online Real Estate Schools
The real estate school you decide to go with will be one of your first major steps into becoming a licensed real estate salesperson in New Jersey. Prelicensing courses will cover New Jersey real estate law, real estate principles and practices, real estate finance, and real estate calculations. You’ll want a school with flexible scheduling, thorough course material, and support throughout your pre-licensing education. Make sure the schools you consider are accredited and have good student reviews as evidence of quality instruction.
One of the top schools in NJ is Colibri Real Estate, which lets you learn in your comfort zone through online courses for your realtor license in NJ. Colibri makes it pretty easy to complete the 75 hours of education you need, along with preparation for the licensing exam, due to its different course packages and support tools.
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Step 3: Pass the Real Estate License New Jersey Exam
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Cost:
$38
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Time commitment:
4 Hours
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Helpful resource:
7 Hacks to Help You Ace Your Real Estate Exam and NJ Bulletin
Nothing to worry about if you fail the New Jersey real estate exam. New Jersey does not designate a limitation on the number of retakes for the salesperson license exam. All retakes must occur within your one-year eligibility window from completing your pre-licensing education. You’ll have to wait 24 hours before logging in to the PSI website to schedule your next attempt. All you have to do is follow the instructions on the website and pay the examination fee again.
Step 4: Get Fingerprints & Background Check
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Cost:
$66.05
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Time commitment:
2 hours
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Helpful resource:
Real Estate License Candidate Fingerprinting Process
All applicants must submit fingerprints as part of the NJ real estate licensing process, including a background check. Here are the details:
- Fill out the New Jersey Universal Fingerprint Form
- Schedule an appointment with IdentoGO
- Bring the completed Universal Fingerprint Form and photo identification to your appointment
Step 5: Apply for a New Jersey Real Estate License
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Cost:
$160
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Time commitment:
1 hour
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Helpful resource:
NJDOBI | NJ Real Estate Commission – Applications and Forms
Applying for your real estate agent license in New Jersey is pretty cut-and-dry once you have passed the exam. You will apply via mail or online to the New Jersey Real Estate Commission. You’ll want to include proof of completion of the 75-hour pre-licensing course, your passing score on the licensing exam, and a signed commitment from a sponsoring broker.
Step 6: Join a Real Estate Brokerage
After licensure, the next step is to join a real estate brokerage. This step is required because all agents in New Jersey must work under the supervision of a licensed broker. A brokerage will introduce you to critical training, tools, and MLS listings to get you up and running.
In addition to commission splits, you need to find a company that you feel is a cultural fit, with quality training and the ability to provide mentors. Research local brokerages and interview several to find the best fit for your career goals and working style.
Start looking for brokerages in the areas you’d like to work in to jump-start your new career. Check out our Best Real Estate Company to Work For in 2024 guide to learn about some larger firms.
Step 7: Start a Successful Career in New Jersey
The best way to start a successful New Jersey real estate career is to develop your skills, network, and client base on day one. Here’s how to have a blossoming career after obtaining a NJ realtor license:
- Go online: Utilize social media platforms and a professional website to attract clients.
- Network building: Connect with local professionals, attend events, and join real estate groups to build your network circle.
- Take advantage of lead generation tools: Third-party lead generation services will greatly ease your work in generating leads.
- Continuing education: Stay ahead in the current market by continuing education courses.
- Provide excellent customer service: Interact personally with your customers in a way that encourages trust and recommendations.
FAQs
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in NJ?
Getting a real estate license in New Jersey typically takes three to six months. It ultimately depends on your speed of completion of the 75-hour pre-licensing course, which can be taken either online or in a classroom. Once you complete the course, you will take the state licensing exam and submit your application. Of course, this can be faster if you choose to study full-time, but those with other commitments may take a little longer.
How much does it cost to get my real estate license in NJ?
The cost of obtaining a real estate license in New Jersey ranges between $400 and $600. One must pay these associated fees to take the license: about $200 to $400 for the 75-hour pre-licensing course, $38 for the state licensing exam, $160 for a license application fee, and another about $67 for fingerprinting and a background check. Additional costs may be incurred by purchasing study materials or exam prep courses.
Is the NJ realtor exam hard?
The New Jersey real estate license exam can be challenging if not prepared for. The examination consists of 110 multiple-choice questions; you’ll need to score at least 70% to pass. The test’s legal and math portions are generally considered the most cumbersome parts for most people. Studying consistently and taking practice exams can help you feel more confident going in. More importantly, you must understand real estate’s practical and theoretical aspects.
How much do realtors make in New Jersey?
The annual average for real estate agents in New Jersey is $50,000 to $80,000, though this amount can change based on experience, market conditions, and location. Agents operating in demand areas-for example, areas near New York City or along the Jersey Shore-make more due to the higher value of property and a higher volume of sales. It is not unusual for top-producing agents to break the six-figure income barrier many times over, especially if they focus on luxury markets or work in areas with a fast turnover of properties.
Back to You
If you are determined to understand how to become a real estate agent in NJ, then the process is straightforward and reasonably easy to navigate. Our NJ real estate license guide will walk you through each step so you don’t miss a thing. After you’ve completed the 75-hour pre-licensing course, taken the state examination, and sent in your application, the following big decision you’ll want to make is what brokerage is the right one for you. By carefully choosing a brokerage that fits your goals, you will be well on your way to success in the dynamic New Jersey real estate market.
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